A four-nation analysis of homelessness risk and prevention for survivors of modern slavery
People who escape modern slavery and human trafficking should be able to rebuild their lives in safety.
Yet many survivors of modern slavery experience homelessness after leaving exploitation. Gaps between housing, immigration and support services can leave people without safe accommodation at crucial moments in their recovery, increasing the risk of further harm and re-exploitation.
This report from The Passage examines how homelessness systems across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland affect survivors of modern slavery. It identifies the key moments when people are most at risk of homelessness and outlines practical recommendations to improve homelessness prevention and survivor support across the UK
Key findings
Why are survivors of modern slavery at risk of homelessness?
The report finds that survivors are most likely to experience homelessness:
- After escaping modern slavery or human trafficking
- While waiting for support decisions
- When government-funded support ends
- During changes to immigration status
- When seeking housing support from local authorities
These are often the points at which survivors can lose access to accommodation, financial support or specialist services.
The link between homelessness and re-exploitation
Homelessness can increase the risk of survivors being exploited again.
People who are sleeping rough, sofa surfing or living in unsafe temporary accommodation may be more vulnerable to coercion, abuse and further exploitation. The report argues that housing stability should be viewed as a key part of safeguarding and recovery for survivors of modern slavery.
Preventing homelessness among survivors
The report shows that homelessness prevention is possible. Earlier intervention, better collaboration between agencies and improved access to safe accommodation could help reduce homelessness and support long-term recovery for survivors across the UK
“Homelessness and further exploitation are not inevitable. They are often the result of gaps between systems, and those gaps can be addressed.” – Dr Júlia Tomás
Report recommendations
The report calls for:
- Better coordination between housing and support services
- Earlier support when people are at risk of homelessness
- Safer temporary accommodation
- Better data on housing outcomes for survivors
- More consistent responses across the UK
Download the report and learn how housing systems can do more to protect survivors from homelessness and further harm.
The Passage’s work tackling modern slavery and homelessness
The Passage is committed to preventing homelessness and supporting survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking.
Alongside delivering frontline services, we conduct research, influence policy and work with partners across the homelessness and anti-slavery sectors to improve outcomes for survivors.
Our specialist services help people access safe accommodation, navigate complex systems and rebuild their lives after exploitation. Through our research and advocacy, we work to improve understanding of the links between modern slavery, homelessness and re-exploitation, helping drive change across the UK